Ultra-endurance racer Markus Stitz publishing book showcasing best gravel cycling rides in Cairngorms
A new gravel cycling guidebook by a German-born ultra-endurance racer could help bring an ever-growing number of cyclists to the strath.
Gravel Rides Cairngorms & Perthshire is the latest guidebook from adventure writer and filmmaker Markus Stitz and is out later this week.
As part of the launch, Stitz will speak about the book and host a screening of his documentary ‘Great British Gravel Rides’ next Monday (May 12) at 7.30pm at Badaguish by Glenmore.
The publication showcases 15 of the finest gravel cycling routes through the Cairngorms National Park, Perthshire and the Angus Glens in Scotland.
Covering routes from 14 kilometres to 77 kilometres in length, the guidebook includes a mix of easy, straightforward and challenging rides across some of Scotland’s most spectacular and remote landscapes.
From the fast gravel tracks of the Deeside Way and the Southern Cairngorms to the iconic Burma Road (from Aviemore to Carrbridge) and hidden gems like Little Glen Shee, the book offers something for cyclists of all levels.
Each route features:
• Ordnance Survey maps and turn-by-turn directions;
• distance, ascent, terrain information, and difficulty grading;
• stunning photography and local insights;
• recommended stops and services; and
• a detailed appendix and downloadable GPX files.
Endurance rider Stitz is the German-born founder of Bikepacking Scotland, and has lived in Scotland since 2009.
His deep ties to the region are evident in his route development work for the Highland Perthshire Gravel Trails (2020) and mapping gravel routes for Cairngorms Connect (2022).
Stitz said: “I hope this guidebook inspires people to discover the stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Cairngorms, Perthshire, and the mighty River Tay.
“This is a place I’ve come to know intimately by bike, with Alyth now the home of Bikepacking Scotland.
“The fact that there are now several titles for gravel riding shows the popularity of this segment.
“The rise in popularity of gravel cycling was also an encouragement to write a book with routes which are more accessible and appeal to a much wider variety of people.”
The book also includes an introduction to gravel riding in Scotland, covering the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, bike and kit advice.
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Ten of the routes are directly accessible by train or bike-friendly bus services or close to stations or bus stops - supporting low-carbon travel choices.
Mark Beaumont, record-breaking cyclist and Perthshire native, remarked: “The Cairngorms and Perthshire offer some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland, which I got to explore from an early age, being home-schooled on a farm near Blairgowrie.
“Markus has once again captured this wilderness in stunning pictures for this book.
“With his fascination in both the geography and history, as well as his passion for cycling, this book isn’t just a guide; it’s an invitation to explore the heart of Scotland by bike — across rolling hills, through ancient forests, and along the iconic gravel tracks that make these regions a paradise for cyclists.
“Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting out, this book will inspire your next adventure in one of the most breathtaking corners of the world.”
Gravel Rides Cairngorms & Perthshire is published this Thursday (May 8) and is available in all good bookshops and online at bikepackingscotland.com/books/ and adventurebooks.com.
More information and tickets for next week’s event at Badaguish are priced £15/£12 and are available at www.entrycentral.com/gravelridescairngorms .
A bit about Markus Stitz
Markus Stitz is a German-born route designer, filmmaker, photographer and writer now based in Edinburgh.
He caught the adventure bug while living in New Zealand and has explored Scotland extensively since he moved here in 2009.
Before cycling 34,000 kilometres unsupported around the world on a single-speed mountain bike, he mapped his first bikepacking route, the Capital Trail.
On his return he founded Bikepacking Scotland (bikepackingscotland.com) and has worked in many corners of Scotland, designing bikepacking and gravel routes.
He is a co-director of the Cateran Ecomuseum and the director and founder of Dirt Dash events, and has recently initiated the Edinburgh Dawn Patrol.
Stitz is an ultra-endurance racer, with three successful finishes of the Highland Trail 550 (Scotland), along with single finishes of the Silk Road Mountain Race (Kyrgyzstan), Atlas Mountain Race (Morocco) and Mother North (Norway).
His writing has appeared in a wide variety of magazines and online publications in English and German.
He is the author of Great British Gravel Rides and Bikepacking Scotland, and he also co-edited Big Rides: Great Britain & Ireland. Gravel Rides Cairngorms & Perthshire is his third solo book.
